Facility provides horses and ponies with another chance

WATCH: Last Chance Horse and Pony Rescue welcomes abused and neglected horses and provides them with a safe and loving home.

TORONTO – Last Chance Horse and Pony Rescue is a sanctuary to 38 horses, ponies and a donkey.

“Last Chance is a horse and pony rescue dealing with senior horses, horses that have been abused, neglected, no longer wanted, you name it. They all seem to find their way here,” said Sharron Allen, founder and president of Last Chance. “When my dad was alive, he worked with thoroughbred horses and I was always the kid on the back of the stall watching my father. I grew a love for, not only thoroughbreds, but all horses.”

Allen’s love for her horses is clear, as she puts everything she has into keeping these animals alive.

“Sharon is one of the most gracious people I know,” said Jennifer Navarroli, a volunteer at Last chance. “She’ll do without before the horses will do without.”

The rescue and rehabilitation programs have expanded into an educational and therapeutic centre. The organization now provides those with intellectual disabilities the chance to learn from, and about these horses.

“When they come to the horse ranch, they just light up,” said Cathy Campbell, a counsellor at Community Living, Port Colborne-Wainfleet. “They feed the horses and they’ve been able to ride the horses, which they’ve never done in their lifetime. It’s really brought them out of their shells.”

For many of the animals the farm was truly their last chance.

“Most of them would have ended up being slaughtered because a lot of them are seniors that had injuries. They’re like my family, they mean everything to me,” said Allen. “They all deserve a chance. I know I can’t take in any more. I know our barn needs lots of repairs, but they’re safe, they’re happy and that’s what is everything.”